Home Safety Ideas No One Thinks Of
ost home safety practices are fairly well known: Have a fire extinguisher in the house, check the smoke alarm every six months, routinely change the air filters. Some home safety practices are not as well known, but can be essential to keeping your home and your family safe.
Anti-Scald Devices
Ensuring that your water temperature is at 120 degrees Fahrenheit maximum may not be sufficient to prevent heat issues. Small children can easily turn the faucet to an extremely high temperature and risk burning themselves. Anti-scald devices that attach to the shower head or other faucets can prevent children from accidentally turning their bath or shower time into a sauna.
Attic Fan
Be sure to clean the attic fan in the spring and summer, and seal it off in the fall and winter. Sealing it will save energy and money in the cold season and cleaning it before using it in the warm season will ensure your air stays clean and healthy. Click here to learn the best way to clean your attic fan.
Clean Smoke Alarm
It’s not enough to just check the batteries in a smoke alarm every six months. Home Safety Smart Check instructs you to do the following once a year: “Clean smoke alarms. Pull cover downward, remove power cell, vacuum & clean cover. Replace cover & test.” This helps the alarm stay accurate and able to detect even small amounts of smoke or carbon monoxide.
Secure Your Garage
If you want to boost the security of your garage, you can add a lock to the garage opener to prevent anyone from even accessing the keypad without a physical key or change the code regularly. In the garage, make sure any objects or tools that could be considered dangerous to children are locked away or out of reach. Depending on the age of the child, this could include even common tools like wrenches and larger screw drivers.
Secure area rugs
Smaller area rugs can actually be a hazard to older adults, if they are not secured. Even if the rug comes with a non-slip, gripping underside, ensure that corners are locked down and that the edges do not allow for easy tripping with a product like these rug tabs.
Non-slip Mats
Bathtub mats are not just a precaution for older adults. According to the CDC, “mishaps near the bathtub, shower, toilet and sink caused an estimated 234,094 nonfatal injuries in the U.S. in 2008 among people at least 15 years old.” About two-thirds of those injuries occurred in the bath or tub. Ensure the bathroom safety of your children, elderly family members and yourself with an easy addition.
Go Easy on the Extension Cords
Lots of extension cords can be a fire hazard. Check the areas where you have lots of extension, cords and consider adding another electrical outlet to minimize that usage. If you are unsure as to what is recommended for your household, contact your local fire marshall.
Electrical Wires
Routinely check electrical wires on everyday appliances like microwaves, toasters, refrigerators and televisions to ensure there’s no fraying. Loose or frayed wires on any electrical device becomes a fire and safety hazard, so do a quick check every few months and keep an eye out for any possible wire deterioration. If you do notice loose or frayed wires, you can either address it yourself (i.e. buy a new toaster) or have a professional come in (i.e. file a repair request through your warranty).
With just a few extra, easy steps, you can ensure that your home is comfortable and safe for your family and friends.
